If you get my lil’ monthly newsletter fresh to your inbox, you’ve already had a sneaky peek at today’s post. But, I thought these tips were worth sharing with all of you, so here’s a bigger, better and brighter version to help you break grammar rules with confidence.

Just because your high school English teacher told you so, doesn’t mean all grammatical conventions need to be followed to the letter. I should know – I was that teacher! After all, there needs to be some creative license, especially when you’re writing about your business. What’s more – rules change and evolve over time (which is why we don’t all sound like we’ve just stepped out of a Shakespeare play). It’s time to fast-forward from 1600 to 2017 and get your grammar rebel on.

Sentences can start with conjunctions.

I’ve already done it in this post (did you notice?) These days, grammar rules are much more fluid, and using and or because can be a really punchy way to begin a sentence. Don’t overdo it, but it totally works sometimes.

Passive voice is sometimes best.

The spellcheck function on the computer loves to tell you when your sentences are written in passive, rather than active form. The problem with that is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Occasionally passive voice just sounds better and flows more naturally. If so, use it. (Just a quick side note on spellcheck – it’s not a human. Always read your work aloud to find errors. It also seriously helps you edit and streamline tone-of-voice. Try it!)

Relax – contract.

Unless you’re writing very formally, incorporate contractions (they work especially well for online writing). When marketing to a particular audience, your voice should sound conversational to build a relationship with your reader.

One-sentence paragraphs can be wonders.

Online content should be easy for readers to skim. People are searching for quick answers, and don’t want – or have the time – to read your content word-for-word. Reading chunks of text-heavy content is a push for anyone. One sentence paragraphs can visually break up the page or help to drive an important point home.

Slang is a-ok.

Keep your audience is mind – if it fits, use it. Just make sure you’re confident with the vernacular so it sounds natural, rather than forced.

Ultimately, talking and writing about your business should be fun. It’s yours! Enjoy sharing it with the world. But if you lack the confidence, clarity or – the biggie – time, then I can certainly help you out.

If you’d like a rule-breaking partner-in-crime, hit me up!